Some of us were blessed with soft smiles and approachable faces, that say, “I’m approachable, talk to me about your cat!” The rest of us? We look like we’re plotting a murder when we’re just thinking about lunch. If you’ve ever been told to “smile more,” chances are you might have the infamous resting bitch face (RBF).
But here’s the truth: RBF isn’t a flaw and can even be a protective weapon. The world may misunderstand your face, but your real friends know you’re a treasure.
Do you Have A Resting Bitch Face?
Here are the unmistakable signs that you may have a Resting Bitch Face:
1. The “Are You Okay?” Epidemic
You could be in the middle of a great day, headphones on, sun shining, iced drink in hand and still, someone will ruin your groove with “Hey, are you okay? You look upset.”
No, Timi. I was fine until you made me question whether I should be smiling at pavement cracks just to look approachable.
2. Group Photos Betray You
Everyone else looks like a toothpaste commercial. Meanwhile, your face tells another story. Cropped in the corner, you look like you just found out your rent increased.
3. Kids Don’t Wave at You.
Kids are bold. They wave at strangers in supermarkets and smile at random people on buses. But somehow, when they see you? Nothing. It’s like your face says, “Don’t even think about it.”
It’s not personal, it’s just RBF. And honestly, fewer sticky hands reaching for you is kind of a blessing.
4. The Misinterpreted Genius
At work, your boss assumes your deadpan expression means you’re deep in thought about the next big strategy. In reality, you’re planning your outfit for the next date night with your girls. But hey, if they believe you are a brooding genius, by all means, please roll with it.
5. You Get Labelled “Intimidating.”
How many times have you been called “intimidating”? This is because you look like you could ruin someone’s career with a single email. (Low-key superpower.) People confuse your calm with judgment. The perk? People know not to mess with you.
6. The Go-To for Lost Strangers
Weirdly, people with RBF also attract strangers in crisis. Confused tourists. Aunties at the bus stop. People in supermarkets who can’t find the bread aisle. They look at your serious face and assume you must know everything.
Do you? No. Do you still point with confidence? Always.
7. The Classic “I Thought You Hated Me”
Anyone with RBF knows the phrase, “Wow, I thought you hated me when we first met.” In fact, you’ve perfected the awkward chuckle, and you give them the rehearsed line, “Oh no, that’s just my face.”
The people who stick around after that? They’re the real ones. They figured out your sharp edges hide a genuinely warm centre.
8. Dating Profile Confusion
You thought you looked sultry and mysterious in your selfies. Instead, half your matches think you’re silently judging them for their height. It’s not your fault the camera caught your RBF at its peak.
On the upside: it filters out the unserious. Only the brave swipe right.
9. You Have a Poor Party Reputation.
At parties, someone always accuses you of not having fun. Meanwhile, you’re dancing inside your head, rating the playlist, and planning to tell your friends how good the small chops are so you can revisit the restaurant as a group.
Just because your joy doesn’t involve plastered smiles doesn’t mean you’re not enjoying yourself.
10. The Family Gathering Stare
At family functions, aunties whisper, “She’s too proud.” Cousins say you’re “too serious.” They don’t realise your face is just… chilling. Neutral. Meanwhile, you’re trying to decide whether to sneak a third plate of jollof.
Owning the Resting Bitch Face (RBF) Energy
Here’s the plot twist: RBF isn’t a problem to fix. It’s a silent brand. People take you seriously without you saying a word. You come across as confident even when you’re googling “how to type emojis on my laptop.”
Sure, it can get annoying when strangers assume you’re angry or sad, but RBF has perks: You look competent and serious. Only confident people approach you to date you, and nobody mistakes you for a pushover.
You don’t owe the world a smile to make them comfortable. But don’t let the label harden you either. When someone jokes, “Wow, you always look mad,” laugh it off. And when your close friends say, “We know you’re actually the sweetest one here,” believe them.
